The International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (Icsid) has recently announced the launch of the application cycle for the 2018 World Design Capital (WDC), marking the initiative’s sixth cycle.

Icsid invites cities from around the world to submit bids that illustrate the impact of design on their city as well as showcase examples of design being used as a tool toward development.

The WDC is one of Icsid’s international programs that works toward the organisation’s drive for a better world through design. Previous WDC designated cities have used the title for city promotion, to nurture economic activity and encourage peer-learning experiences.

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Icsid president Dr. Brandon Gien, says: “In times of financial constraints, cities are interested in delivering value to its citizens in more cost efficient and innovative ways.

“The WDC designation provides the opportunity for cities to fast-track the implementation of design-led objectives to improve quality of life for citizens.”

The bids undergo a stringent evaluation process and are judged by a jury panel that consists of five international representatives hailing from various professional backgrounds.

The committee for WDC 2018 includes:

Dr. Meric Gertler, president of the University of Toronto

Mr. Luyanda Mpahlwa, director, DesignSpaceAfrica

Ms. Abigail Posner, head of strategic planning, agency development for Google

The mayor of Taipei

Brandon Gien, Icsid president

Cities interested in submitting a bid for the WDC 2018 designation should visit www.worlddesigncapital.com and download the application form and manual. Cities have until March 31, 2015 to submit their applications.